Beer pouch law passes Conn. senate

The canned craft beer revolution is in full swing. Growlers have grown in popularity to the point where states are working on new regulations surrounding the half-gallon containers. But there’s one unsung container that is seeing some legislation limelight in Connecticut — pouches.

The bill exempts beer and other malt beverages from a state beverage packaging law that generally prohibits plastic beverage containers that also include aluminum or steel. The opponents of the bill consist mainly of state environmental officials who argue that the containers cannot be recycled.

Late last month, Craft Brewing Business reported on legislation that was passed in the Connecticut House of Representatives to allow beer and malt beverages to be sold in pouches. Now, Boston.com reported that the legislation passed the state’s Senate on May 14 and will move to the governor’s desk for approval.

The bill exempts beer and other malt beverages from a state beverage packaging law that generally prohibits plastic beverage containers that also include aluminum or steel. Such containers would still be banned for mineral waters, soda water and carbonated soft drinks.

The state’s liquor industry pushed for the legislation, saying Connecticut is the only state which bans such packaging for malt-based products and how the same packaging material is used for other products such as sauces and juices.

The opponents of the bill consist mainly of state environmental officials who argue that the containers cannot be recycled. Recycling and sustainability, in general, tend to be hot topics in the craft beer industry. In fact, news from Burning Can Beer Fest made a point to tout the recycling benefits of aluminum cans.

We’ll continue to follow the beer pouches legislation as it works its way through the legal channels.